Dental Implants in Park Ridge, IL

Dental implants are the foundation of teeth replacements that function like your natural teeth. Missing and severely damaged teeth lead to jawbone loss, dental misalignment, and other health complications. A dental implant replaces the entire structure of your missing tooth, from the crown to the roots. Implant teeth enable patients to eat, smile, and live without restrictions.

Dental Implants Presentation

To provide you with a better understanding of dental implants, we have provided the following multimedia presentation. Many common questions pertaining to dental implants are discussed.

Dental Implants Presentation

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are the best treatment to restore your natural oral function if you have missing teeth or currently use a removable dental prosthesis, like dentures. Dental implants are a permanent replacement, unlike removable dentures and dental bridges. Dentures and bridges only replace the crown of a missing tooth, whereas implant teeth replace the entire structure.

Your teeth consist of a crown and roots, both essential for proper dental function. When you lose a tooth, the roots die, which causes your jawbone to lose mass and volume. Dental implants comprehensively replace the roots and crown of missing teeth and ensure healthy jawbone growth.

There are three main parts for a single tooth dental implant replacement: the implant screw, abutment post, and an artificial crown. The implant itself is a small titanium screw with a post in the center to hold a dental restoration. The titanium implant is biocompatible and fuses with your jawbone, creating a permanent bond. Once the implant has bonded with the jawbone, it supports a dental restoration, such as a dental crown or implant-supported bridges or dentures.

Eat and Smile Without Hesitation

Don’t suffer from missing teeth any longer! Dental implants are natural-looking replacement teeth that can preserve your facial structure and improve your smile.

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The Surgical Procedure: Dental Implant Placement

For most patients, two surgeries are necessary to place dental implants. Dr. Sisto will place the implants into the jawbone during the first surgery. For the next two to six months, the titanium implants fuse with the jawbone beneath the surface of the gums, becoming strong enough to act as a replacement for the roots of your missing teeth.

During this healing period, you will eat a soft food diet and wear a temporary restoration while your permanent restoration is fabricated. Dr. Sisto will take 3D scans of your mouth to ensure the final restoration is a perfect fit.

Once your implants heal, Dr. Sisto will begin the second phase of your procedure to attach your final restoration. Dr. Sisto will ensure the dental implant has healed correctly during this procedure and attach an abutment post. The post protrudes through the gum line and will serve as an anchor for your artificial crown or dental prosthesis. The final restoration is secured to the post and implant using dental cement. The entire timeline, start to finish, varies for each patient but averages between four to eight months.

Surgical Advances in Implantology

Dr. Sisto uses the most advanced surgical technology and techniques in implantology to ensure the most expedited treatment time. Using computer-guided implant placement technology, Dr. Sisto can perform single-stage implant placements in one surgery. Single-stage dental implants often require a minimum of eight weeks of healing before attaching the final restoration. So, you can walk into the office with your missing tooth and leave with your replacement.

Using CBCT scans, Dr. Sisto creates a hyper-accurate 3D model of your mouth and maxillofacial structure. This digital model enables cooperation between Dr. Sisto and your restorative dentist at every stage of planning, treatment, and prosthetic fabrication.

What Types of Dental Prostheses Are Available for Dental Implants?

Dental prostheses are made in various types to replace a single tooth, multiple teeth, or a whole row of teeth.

Single-tooth Prosthesis (Dental Crown)

A single tooth prosthesis is an artificial crown for replacing a single missing tooth. The crown attaches to a dental implant to restore the roots and visible crown of the missing tooth.

Partial Prosthesis (Fixed Bridge)

A partial prosthesis is a fixed bridge that replaces three to six missing teeth in a row. The bridge is permanently fixed on two to three dental implants. A standard fixed bridge often is attached to an implant on either end of the prosthesis. For replacing five or six consecutive teeth, a third implant might be placed in the center of the bridge.

Complete Dental Prosthesis (Fixed Bridge)

If you are missing most or all of the teeth on your upper or lower jaw, a complete fixed bridge dental prosthesis might suit you. A complete prosthesis is an implant-supported denture for the upper or lower jaw. The denture is attached to four to six dental implants that support a full-arch restoration.

Removable Prosthesis (Over-Denture)

A removable prosthesis snaps into place with a ball and socket attachment and can be removed for cleaning and maintenance. Dr. Sisto or your restorative dentist can only remove permanent dental prostheses.

Why Dental Implants? Dental Implants vs. Traditional Dental Restorations

Dental implants serve the critical function of replacing the roots of your missing teeth, whereas traditional restorations do not. Traditional dentures and dental bridges only serve to replace the visible crown of your missing tooth. Unlike dental implants, classic restorations wear down on your gums over time, while your jawbone resorbs and your healthy teeth lose structural support. Dental implants stimulate healthy jawbone growth by placing your bite force against the jawbone instead of the gums.

Traditional restorations last an average of five to seven years before needing to be replaced. On the other hand, dental implants are permanent. Implant restorations last an average of 15 to 20 years, and many patients maintain their dental crowns for over 30 years. Dental implants retain your natural oral function and ensure a higher quality of life as you age.

Are You a Candidate for Dental Implants?

Even if you have lived with missing teeth for years, you may still be a candidate for dental implants. The patient’s jawbone is the most significant factor in determining candidacy for dental implants. The jaw loses 25% of its mass during the first year of tooth loss, so the sooner you seek treatment, the less likely bone grafts will be necessary.

What Type of Anesthesia Is Used?

Dr. Sisto offers a full range of sedation levels to accommodate your preference. Dr. Sisto can perform most bone grafting and implant placement procedures under local anesthesia. If you prefer a deeper level of sedation, ask Dr. Sisto about nitrous oxide (laughing gas), IV sedation, or general anesthesia.

Do implant teeth need special care?

A great benefit of dental implants is their ease of care. All you have to do to take care of your implanted teeth is practice the same good oral hygiene you do with your natural teeth. To maintain your replacement teeth, brush twice, floss once a day, and attend a dental exam and cleaning every six months. Follow the correct brushing order (floss, brush, then rinse), and be sure to floss between your crown or prosthesis and gum line.

Are you ready to learn more about dental implants? Call our office to schedule your consultation with Dr. Sisto and determine the best dental implant replacement treatment for you.